After the Storm at Huanglian River, I Captured the Spectacle of a Rainbow Waterfall

🌿【2-Day 1-Night In-Depth Travel Guide to Daguan】Hidden Gorge of Northern Yunnan·Waterfall Wonders + Ancient Tea-Horse Road Experience 📅 Best Travel Season ✅ May-October (peak waterfall flow, rhododendron blooms) ⚠️ November-April (dry season with smaller waterfalls, ideal for hiking) --- 🚗 Transportation Guide ✔ Major Transport: - 🚌 Zhaotong→Daguan (1.5-hour bus/¥25) - 🚗 Self-drive via G85 Yinkun Expressway (4 hours from Kunming) ✔ Local Transport: - Private car between scenic areas (¥200-300/day) - Huanglian River Scenic Area electric cart (¥30/person) --- 🏡 Accommodation Recommendations 📍 Top Pick in Town: Huanglian River Grand Hotel (scenic rooms from ¥180) 📍 Unique Experience: Luohanba Forest Cabins (wake up to sea of clouds) 📍 Budget Option: Guesthouses near bus station (¥80-120) --- 📸 Must-Do Itinerary **Day 1: Waterfall Adventure** ☀️ Morning: Huanglian River Scenic Area (highlights): - 8:00 Water Curtain Corridor (bring raincoat) - 10:00 Maiden Waterfall natural pool 🌿 Afternoon: Qinglong Cave Gorge (explore underground rivers) 🌙 Evening: Cultural Square roasted lamb feast **Day 2: Culture & Nature** ⛰️ Morning Options: A. Luohanba Alpine Meadow (May rhododendron fields) B. Ancient Tea-Horse Road Three-Station Section (follow historic hoofprints) 🍲 Afternoon: Tianxing Town (Miao ethnic bamboo-tray banquet) --- 🍽️ Food Guide 🔥 Must-Try Local Delicacies: - Gastrodia Elata steamed chicken (buy fresh gastrodia at herb market) - Bamboo shoots with cured pork - Buckwheat cakes dipped in honey ⚠️ Tips: 1. Be cautious with "wild gastrodia" sold at scenic spots 2. Confirm prices before ordering bamboo worm dishes --- 💡 Local Tips 1️⃣ Hidden Gems: - Huanglian River waterfalls are most spectacular the day after rain - Bring strong flashlight for Qinglong Cave stalactite photography 2️⃣ Photography Secrets: - Shoot Maiden Waterfall in afternoon sunlight - Tea-Horse Road is most photogenic at dawn mist --- ⚠️ Important Notes 1. Wear anti-slip shoes for gorge hiking 2. Avoid photographing elderly villagers without permission 3. Rafting only available June-August --- 💰 Budget Reference Budget trip: ¥400/person (bus + guesthouse) Quality trip: ¥800/person (private car + specialty meals)